Recreation Program Specialist - Bowers Farm at Discovery Oaks

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:

https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

General Summary

This position is limited to 1,000 hours/year. The schedule will include evenings and weekends. The rate of pay is $21.50/hr.

Assists in the administration and operation of Bowers Farm at Discovery Oaks. Responsible for assisting staff and volunteer supervision, scheduling, program records, purchasing supplies, daily cash operations including deposits, and maintaining activity budgets. May also participate in the development and implementation of recreational programs to support the positive public image of Oakland County Parks and Recreation. May coordinate work schedules for part-time staff and volunteers. Provides input on hiring, training, and performance management of part-time staff. May assist in inspecting and providing input to higher level park staff regarding the maintenance, improvement and repair of buildings, grounds and equipment, and other park facilities. Assists with Emergency Response efforts by supporting training, education of employees, and overseeing implementation of plans efforts in emergency situations. Oversees recreational program activities and special events dealing with general park visitors, citizen volunteers, or special events for all groups. Provides leadership to part-time staff and volunteers during programs and/or special events at park facilities, programs and special events throughout Oakland County. Evaluates the results of recreational programs and makes recommendations for adjustments as needed. Works weekends, evenings, and holidays. Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Be 18 years old.

• Have at least six (6) months of full-time equivalent experience in a supervisory or administrative capacity preferably in a park, recreation and/or program setting; OR

• Have at least six (6) months paid or voluntary experience in Leadership for organizations such as civic, philanthropic, school clubs, and/or sports teams.

• Possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must maintain a valid United States motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur’s license

• If assigned to a youth recreational program, prior to employment, candidates will be required to provide Parks & Recreation with documentation from the Michigan Department of Human Services (previously called Family Independence Agency) that they have not been named in a central registry case as the perpetrator of child abuse or child neglect. In addition, applicants being considered for hire will be asked to sign a form authorizing Parks & Recreation to request and receive a criminal history check in accordance with the privacy act of 1974.

Applicants for positions at Parks & Recreation will not be considered if they have been convicted of either of the following:

• Child Abuse or Neglect.

• A felony involving harm or threatened harm to an individual within the 10 years immediately preceding the date of hire.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Functions as a leader over part-time seasonal staff and volunteers. Instructs, directs, assigns, schedules, checks, and appraises performance (oversees 1 - 40 staff per shift, depending on work assignment).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Responds to inquiries of park patrons and the general public, in person or by phone or mail, regarding the use of the park and facilities.

Interacts with on-site vendors and maintenance staff to ensure high levels of customer service, safety and maintenance standards are upheld.

Researches, designs, develops, and implements recreational programs that support the mission of Oakland County Parks and Recreation.

Provides leadership to part-time staff and volunteers during programs and/or special events at park facilities, programs and special events throughout Oakland County.
Evaluates the results of recreational programs, including participant feedback, financial analysis, and benchmarking standards of success specific to each core recreational area.

Identifies areas to enhance recreational programming and provides input to Supervisor to ensure current program design is both relevant and applicable to current trends in the recreation industry as well as the needs of Oakland County residents and program participants.

Identifies target audiences, emerging topics, and community needs to expand and enhance outdoor learning opportunities across ecological and agricultural contexts. Recommends program and experience adjustments to ensure relevance, accessibility, and alignment with resident expectations and mission priorities.

Designs and implements pathways that connect participants to stewardship, volunteerism, and conservation actions. Supports development of community ownership by linking learning experiences to real-world environmental and health outcomes and opportunities for civic engagement.

Collaborates with local communities, schools, and partner organizations to co-create and deliver outdoor learning experiences that reflect community needs and strengthen connections between residents and parks.

Supports the development of a countywide learning and stewardship network.Completes various administrative records and forms such as park rental contracts, personnel forms, daily revenue reports, park incident and accident reports.

Conducts cash audits and operational audits to ensure proper department procedures are followed.

Maintains records on supply inventories as directed by Park Supervisor and provides input on purchase of additional inventories.

Tracks receipt of merchandise and supply inventory.

Updates management on facilities, grounds, vehicle, and equipment status (maintenance, repairs, safety, cleanliness, and operation).

Communicates with emergency officials as needed during an incident. Completes all incident reports required and works with Risk Management representatives as needed following an event.

Observes jobsite safety, public safety, and mandatory safety regulations for a variety of transport vehicles; obeys all traffic laws.

Responds to and resolves park patron concerns and complaints. Maintains professional standards when interacting with unhappy, angry, or irate patrons.

Trains, assigns work, and assists in the supervision of part-time staff and volunteers to ensure that employees and volunteers perform duties in accordance with proper department procedures.

Manually and visually conducts internal and external inspections of facilities, grounds, vehicles, and equipment as needed.

Promotes safety and security of park patrons by instructing and enforcing the rules and regulations of the Parks and Recreation Commission with the aid of park employees.

Accounts for daily revenues received in the park, oversees, transports and deposits monies to bank as directed by Park Supervisor.

Assists in the opening and/or closing procedures of park facilities.

Assists during special events to promote positive public relations.

Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

Uses data to inform continuous improvement and align with organizational goals.

Utilizes County vehicles and equipment to support program delivery across multiple locations.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

May coordinate work schedules for part-time seasonal staff and volunteers.

May prepare reports on weekly, monthly and end-of-season activities as needed.

May assist with tracking inventory, purchasing supplies, and making recommendations to the budget process.

May be responsible for cleaning or maintenance tasks, preforming basic repairs, restocking machines, and providing basic technical support to staff.

May independently respond to operations problems as they arise to provide customers with a safe and enjoyable park experience.

May provide support for partnerships and sponsorships that support park operations, park development, community outreach, or recreational programs and events.

May interact with administrative staff, external partners, and sponsors to coordinate scheduling, planning, and implementation of group activities and special events hosted at park facilities.

May provide input for grant applications or assist with tracking and reporting on grant funded programs.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to communicate and perform duties related to the functionality of the assigned Parks & Recreation facility.

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

Ability to provide written and oral instruction to others.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed primarily outside with exposure to weather conditions.

May participate in duties that require driving or being a passenger in an automobile.

Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and some holidays.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.

ADDITIONAL DESIREABLE QUALIFICATIONS
1. Familiar with Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission Rules and Regulations for park properties.
2. Considerable ability to establish favorable working relationships with others.
3. Considerable knowledge of cash management practices, point of sale functions, and customer service.
4. Physical condition that will permit performing manual duties outdoors in varying weather conditions, standing and walking, and lifting of heavy objects as needed.
5. Considerable ability to work under pressure in emergency situations.
6. Reasonable ability to maintain personal cleanliness and a presentable public appearance.
7. Reasonable knowledge of safety practices.
8. Familiar with current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and Internet software.
 

Additional Minimum Qualifications

Union*

*If applicable

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.